The backsword curriculum of Academia della Spada is based upon the treatises of George Silver. Silver's sword fight is comprised of a system of four principle wards and relies heavily upon the careful control of measure.

Backsword based upon George Silver emphasizes cut over thrust although encourages the use of both in practice, avoids blade engagement - sword removed better able to deliver a cut thrust, while valuable and necessary, is deprecated because it can be so easily set aside.

The sword curriculum of Academia della Spada focuses upon the backsword fight of George Silver, an English gentleman who penned his two treatises at the turn of the 17th Century. Silver's fight emphasizes the cut over the thrust, hearkening back to a more traditional, "Medieval" style of swordplay. In practice, Silver's fight emphasizes the cut over the thrust, arguing that the thrust can be easily displaced by an opponent who remains at safe distance while the cut allows for a definitive strike which will end the fight. His fight similarly discourages blade engagement, advocating swords be held removed in a position from which they can reasonably strike or defend against either edge blow or thrust.

Safety on the Field

Because free play with backsword includes potentially powerful blows, it is extremely important that students remain in complete control of their weapons at all times. The padding generally worn by opponents on the field cannot be expected to resist the full power of Silver's "downright blow" delivered to only marginally protected areas. The first line of defense is always the participants' control of their weapons.

Combatants on the field must wear:

gloves, preferably
long sleeved shirt
padded doublet, jerkin, or similar torso protection
a vambrace or bracer on their right arm sufficient to withstand a blow with minimal discomfort
an approved mask or comparable face/head protection
a gorget of at least semi-rigid material (thick leather or steel)

Optional but strongly recommended:

athletic cup for men
plastron (rigid chest protection) for women
rigid elbow protection
ample padding over the knee and thigh

In short, all skin must be covered and vulnerable areas and principle targets must offer reinforced protection.

Safety on the Floor

Safety is the single greatest concern during training. All participants, students, instructors and spectators, have an obligation to watch for unsafe conditions. If at any time the safety of anyone becomes a concern, you should cry "Hold!" as loudly as possible so that all combatants, instructors and observers in the area can hear it clearly. The instructors have final authority at all times in matters of safety.

During class, students are expected to wear clothing which covers their arms.